farelld.com - About

In 1996, Farell was the number one draft pick (8^th overall) of the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. In 1998, he was part of the Stampeders team that won the Grey Cup. These achievements were a culmination of years of training, dedication, and belief in the power of dreams.

Since his retirement from Professional football in 2001, Farell has been heavily involved in business and youth leadership. His professional corporate experience includes Dell Computers and Shell Canada. He also founded or co-founded various businesses including the Advanced Sports Academy, Mind Over Math, Everest Lifestyle Studios, The Hill Academy, and Everest e-Learning Centre. Farell knows first hand how hard it can be to pursue excellence in both academics and other disciplines.

Through sports and business, Farell has acquired invaluable insight into life and the pursuit of dreams and goals. Farell’s had not participated in organized sports until age 8, when the life-altering event of his father’s death compelled his mother to involve her two young boys (Farell and his older brother) in sports to keep them busy and out of trouble.

“My mother was and continues to be my mentor. A lot of what I know about leadership comes from my mother. She single-handedly led our family through tough times, never giving up, being creative and resourceful, with courage and a dream to see her children achieve their dreams”, says Farell.

Another big influence in Farell’s life was Earl DelaPerelle and the Sun Youth organization. Sun Youth continues to be a life-changing organization in inner city Montreal.

In 1992, Farell was awarded a full scholarship to Northern Illinois, an NCAA Division I school. After a tumultuous first year, wrought with personal challenges both at school and at home, Farell returned to Montreal, dejected and purposeless. It was during those dark days that a good friend offered him a job at the Mackay Centre, an education institution for the deaf and physically challenged. For the next 3 years, Farell found himself surrounded and learning from true heroes and some of the most courageous children and families. The Mackay Centre had a profound influence on Farell, and helped mold his “Always give your best” attitude.

Farell returned to school and football and enrolled at Concordia University to play for Coach Sheehan, who proved to be another big influence in his life. Farell enjoyed 3 successful years at Concordia, and from there, made the jump the professional ranks.

Throughout his journey, Farell encountered many individuals who impressed upon him life skills of dedication, perseverance, hard work, and the power of dreams. Farell is dedicated to impart the same lessons to today’s youth and help them reach their potential.

Farell lives in Toronto, Ontario with his wife Lisa. his son Markus and daughter Olivia.